Where To Eat In Los Angeles

What are you craving? If you're new to the area, an established resident, or just visiting, Los Angeles contains close to 30,000 restaurants to delight your taste buds. Known for its chef-driven California cuisine crusade with the likes of Mark Peel and Wolfgang Puck, Los Angeles has developed a diverse roster of bistros, eateries, and gourmet restaurants, including barbeque joints and food trucks. Amidst the City of Angels' eclectic food scene, local Angelenos may gravitate to commonly quick-fix delicacies like cheeseburgers, hot dogs, pizza, tacos, and French dip sandwiches, among others. 

So, where's the best place to eat in Los Angeles? From street food vendors to upscale eateries, there's so much to choose from depending on what you desire. You might opt for classic Southern American dishes at Hatchet Hall or explore uncharted territory through Ethiopian food at Rosalind's. With a plethora of places to savor and indulge, Los Angeles' restaurant scene continues to simmer with its vivacious, cultural selections (via Visit California). Keep reading to discover what's on your menu today.

What do you get when you mix Canadian and Indian cuisine? Poutine with a dose of tandoori. With a unique blend of traditional and modern, Badmaash is a playful, yet quintessential hub for all the spices and comforts of authentic Indian fare. A decorated gastropub, Badmaash is run by the Indian-Canadian Mahendro family, which is a recipe for success consisting of one dad and his two sons. The stylish eatery serves Los Angeles in two locations: downtown, near Little Tokyo, and Fairfax in Hollywood. From Indian street food like onion fritters to traditional dishes like chicken tikka masala, including various curry, vindaloo, and chutney selections, the menu is concise, yet dynamic (per The Infatuation).

What is everyone eating at Badmaash? As Canada's notable poutine dish crossed over to India, the Chicken Tikka Poutine or vegetarian Channa Masala Poutine are natural highlights. You might also try their exclusive Oat Milk Chai drink, which can be taken on the go, as it's available in a bottle. With a hip Gandhi vibe, Badmaash offers dine-in or dine-out options, including online ordering, reservations, and a merchandise shop.

Situated near the Los Angeles River in downtown L.A.'s Art District, Bavel, or Babel (a Hebrew spelling short for Babylon), features a culturally diverse menu that blends the cuisines of Egypt, Israel, Morocco, and Turkey. Cultivated by Los Angeles-born Chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, Bavel's enticing menu encompasses the innovative pair's familial roots. Locals love spreads like the creamy hummus masabacha, appetizers like the harissa-marinaded grilled prawns, and desserts like the spiced pear cake or licorice root ice cream, plus various alluring spiced cocktails like the Tierra or Nebuchadnezzar. Customers have said that Bavel is the perfect place to bring a date or eat and socialize with friends — reservations are highly recommended (per Google Reviews).

With an exquisite, industrial vibe, the brick interior feels like a specialized event with long farm-style tables and booth seating with delicate greenery hanging from the ceiling. Entrées like dorade, lamb, and ribeye are served on white-plated dishes from Menashe and Gergis' open-air kitchen. From fire-roasted meats to handmade couscous, Bavel offers dine-in options or curbside pickup and delivery. 

Another creation by Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis is buzzy Bestia (or "beast" in Italian), an always popular Italian restaurant that features highly acclaimed seasonal recipes. Located within blocks of Bavel, the chic, handcrafted Italian menu features antipasti like house-made cured meats and mussels, handmade pasta and pizza, and seasonal main-course dishes like fish, lamb, and rib-eye steak. Dolci! On the sweeter side, Bestia offers innovative desserts created by Gergis, a self-taught pastry chef, such as her signature Chocolate Budino Tart or Coffee & Donuts, consisting of spiced chestnut zeppole (Italian pastry) and served with coffee ice cream. They also serve fresh, intoxicating cocktails, wine, beer and cider, and non-alcoholic beverages like pomegranate or classic lemonade.

With a rustic, industrial edge, Bestia serves up a fanciful old-world fare, as customers have said they appreciate the substantial ingredients while giving close attention to every aspect (via Google Reviews). While the trendy bistro is open daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., excluding all major holidays, the husband-and-wife team also welcomes guests to host their events there. 

If you're looking for something more down-home, you might check out Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen, an established, black-owned counter-service eatery serving up soulful Southern food. Since 1975, customers have been getting their fill of Adolf Dulan's genuine, family-inspired meals like farm-raised fried chicken, collard greens, and candied yams. After a string of successful restaurants over the last few decades, Dulan has established a soul food legacy, as he is commonly known as the "King of Soul Food." Some of Dulan's lunch and dinner staples include fish, chicken, pork chops, short ribs, and ox tail, which are typically offered baked or fried. Don't skimp out on the authentic Southern sides and desserts as well, like the homemade baked mac and cheese, cornbread muffins, and peach cobbler. 

With sumptuous homestyle portions, Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen doesn't disappoint, with consistently excellent customer reviews (per Trip Advisor). You may dine in or take out, including delivery and catering options. Also, there's more soul food to indulge in with three different locations in Crenshaw, Inglewood, and Westmont.

Exuberantly fresh and Italian, Felix Trattoria stands out for its authentic homemade pasta creations cultivated by Bologna-influenced Chef Evan Funke. Within the colorful, carefree air of Venice, Felix Trattoria may be a cut of dough above the majority of L.A.'s Italian restaurants. With Funke's deeply rooted culinary vision, Felix (Latin for "happy") offers a provocative menu that crosses over the traditional elements of regional Italy with local, seasonal California ingredients. From antipasti to pizza, customers tend to focus on the made-to-order pasta dishes that are prepared within the distinguished "pasta lab." With secondi or second-course dishes, you might choose from market fresh fish, including pork bone-in rib chop or ribeye.

Eating in at Felix Trattoria is highly exclusive and customers generally make reservations months prior, which is suggested to do so online. If you want to experience the process of your order being freshly procured, you may want to secure a table within view of the isolated, windowed "pasta lab" (via Time Out). 

Amidst the vibrant nightlife of L.A.'s Culver City, Hatchet Hall is an all-American, rustic chophouse, significantly rooted in the Southern United States, with elegant, inspiring charm. Once featured on Netflix's popular "High On The Hog" program (via Eater Los Angeles), co-owners Louie and Netty Ryan have revamped Hatchet Hall's classic, southern-based recipes with executive chef and Texas-native Wes Whitsell. With an abundant, eclectic menu, there's a little bit of everything: from shrimp and grits to braised pork belly to potato gnocchi, deviled eggs, mixed greens, and their staple wood-fired shishito-speckled cornbread.

Each corner of Hatchet Hall has its own personality within an antiquated, colonial home motif. From the intimate, candle-lit patio and elegant dining room with window shutters to the exclusive Old Man Bar decorated with animal wall mountings and a fireplace while specializing in top-notch American-made whiskeys. Overall, patrons come back to Hatchet Hall for the atmosphere, service, and satisfying menu. 

You want it hot and spicy? Tucked away in an East Hollywood strip mall, Jitlada is far from mundane and notorious for its highly piquant, Southern Thai food from owner and chef Jazz Singsanong. Taking over the establishment in 2006 with renowned Thai chef, Tui Sungkamee, Jazz honors her late brother by carrying on their homestyle Southern Thai recipes. Often enhanced with heavy, bold blends of curry paste and spices, Southern Thai is extremely spicy compared to Northern Thai recipes, as are many of the selections at Jitlada (per Thaiger). 

Jazz's dense menu centers on various seafood, fish, beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and vegetable dishes, highlighted with ample amounts of curry spices, including turmeric. Whatever level of spiciness you prefer, make sure to specify. While some dishes, including smoothies, can be ordered "non-spicy," many customers find items on Jitlada's menu irresistible, like the turmeric chicken wings, spicy basil eggplant, pineapple fried rice, and Jazz burger (via Google Reviews).

Look no further than Sunset Boulevard for classic Phuket-inspired delicacies. Luv2Eat Thai Bistro is co-owned and run by Phuket natives and female chefs Fern Kewathatip and Noree Pla. A quaint eatery with ample flavor, Luv2Eat features stimulatingly authentic Thai dishes like their signature scorching Phuket Style Crab Curry, including jade noodles with pork or duck, papaya-centered salads, and other curries and soups. There are notable classics like Pad Thai or Pad Kra Pao.

With reasonable prices and quality dishes, Luv2Eat is a casual Hollywood go-to favorite. Chefs Fern and Pla showcase their artful culinary talents through every dish, and their Thai Iced Tea isn't bad either (per Google Reviews). You may grab your favorite Thai dish quite frequently, as the succulent bistro is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. With the charming size of Luv2Eat, you can indulge there, order take out, or use their no-contact delivery service.

Convenient and delicious, food trucks are an American staple stemming from western chuckwagons, evolving from cured meats and hot dogs to tacos and much more (per Prestige Food Trucks). As many modern food trucks specialize in a particular fast food or nosh, Mariscos Jalisco stands out with fresh and savory ingredients, including various shrimp and seafood (or marisco) selections. With four locations to choose from — Boyle Heights, Downtown, La Cienega, or Pomona — you can feast on breakfast burritos, ceviche, tostadas, nachos, salads, shucked oysters, tacos, and even freshly made cocktails.

An L.A. favorite, Mariscos Jalisco is an essential stop, serving up authentic Mexican plates for over 20 years. Faithful customers are drawn back to the seafood eatery for the mouth-watering, deep-fried shrimp tacos, which is crispy corn tortilla with fresh avocado and salsa. You'll want to dive into their signature tostada dishes as well like the spicy shrimp and octopus ceviche called "Poseidon." One thing to note is that only cash is accepted. With condiments readily available, you can load up your plate yourself or ask them to do it on the truck.

Do you like high art? You might try high food. Recognized as one of the top restaurants worldwide, n/naka is an upscale Japanese restaurant that features the kaiseki dining experience, which highlights a sequence of small proportioned dishes presented throughout your evening. With every plate unique and meticulously presented, chef Niki Nakayama's creations are like eating petite, yet elegant portions of art, which consist of seasonal ingredients (from California and Japan) and intricate care. A two-star Michelin restaurant, Nakayama's multi-course menu is broken down into a couple of options: modern kaiseki or a vegetarian tasting, both consisting of thirteen courses. There are also wine and sake pairings, which offer artisanal sakes and wines from around the world.

Located in the Palms neighborhood near Culver City, reservations are mandatory, and you'll need to secure your table at least a month prior. Chic and fascinatingly delicious, n/naka is open for business from Wednesday to Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and closed Sunday through Tuesday.

Craving some authentic Korean barbeque? Park's BBQ is a legendary, woman-owned restaurant that locals love to indulge in and return to, especially for social gatherings. Korean BBQ may be traced back to the controversial Goguryeo era, as roasting meat over a fire with skewers was ignited (via Next Shark). These days, Park's BBQ offers both a spirited social experience and a satisfying taste of KBBQ. Situated in a fitting spot within Koreatown, Seoul-native chef Jenee Kim's restaurant features superior meats that include marinated prime beef short ribs, ribeye bulgogi, beef tartare, pork belly, and spicy black cod. Many dishes are also paired with their special award-winning BBQ sauce.

Combining tradition with inventive approaches, Kim uses high-quality ingredients within her many award-winning flavors and inventions. Well above average, Park's BBQ encompasses the flare of Korea with its lunch and dinner menu, including soups, rice, and noodles to accompany your BBQ. The drink menu is also a highlight, as it features various Korean liquors and sake, beer, and wine. 

A little piece of France, Petit Trois is known for its classic French recipes and hip, casual vibe. Chef and owner Ludovic Lefebvre showcases his Burgundy roots within the Los Angeles restaurant scene with two tempting versions of Petit Trois: L'Original in Hollywood, and le Valley in Sherman Oaks (per Restaurant Hospitality). Depending on which of these Paris-like bistros you choose for brunch, lunch, or dinner, you can taste classic aperitifs like burgundy escargots, traditional soups and salads, or entrées like mussels mariniere, roasted duck, or trout almondine. You might want to try their signature double cheeseburger Big Mec with a bordelaise sauce alongside enticing cocktails that feature lavender or cassis.

While Lefebvre's dishes are iconic, Petit Trois' extensive wine list is also impressive. Drink by the glass or bottle with reservations for your wine selection available. Booking private parties or events is also an option at this charming restaurant.

Whether you're craving a crispy croissant or roasted confit entrée, République is an all-in-one stop for modern French fare. Located off Wilshire Boulevard in the Miracle Mile area, the sophisticated French café bakery and restaurant attracts patrons for an authentic taste of France within a modern, medieval atmosphere. The building itself is historic, as it was once owned and occupied by entertainer Charlie Chaplin as a film studio (per Martin Turnbull), as well as the setting for late great culinary crusader Mark Peel's Campanile restaurant. Within the rustic, castle hall, Chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke concoct various recipes that change periodically, like artisanal baguettes, cheeses, roasted duck, and fancifully French desserts. The Manzke's emphasize their expertise in pastries with a culinary vision of Wildflour Bakery and Cafés within Margarita's home of the Philippines.

Indulge in Republique's café and bakery daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the restaurant open for business Tuesday through Friday, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Get there early on weekends for dining in, but you can also order or make reservations online with pickup or delivery also available.

If you delight in an assortment of spicy meats and seasoned vegetables, Rosalind's on Fairfax showcases an authentic Ethiopian menu. Inspired by the development of Koreatown in the late 1980s, owner Fekere Gebre-Miriam established Rosalind's as L.A.'s original Ethiopian restaurant, according to the Los Angeles Times. 

Depending on the region, many Ethiopian dishes combine aromatic spices like allspice, ginger, coriander, and cardamom (via Spice Your Life). Rosalind's features injera (pancake) selections with seasoned meats like chicken, lamb, or beef with dollops of various vegan sides. From appetizers, samplers, and entrées, you might try an abundant dish like the Emperor which includes their signature Vegan Goodness, consisting of six vegan dishes with your choice of meat like doro wot (chicken stew). Don't miss their appetizers like the delectable plantains or sambusa, which can be made with beef or vegan. With a contemporary vibe and full bar menu, the warm and inviting eatery also features live music Fridays and Saturdays. 

Leave it to the chef. Not only is Sushi Chitose beloved for its price-to-quality proportions, but the Redondo Beach establishment also features an opulent omakase-style dining experience by chef Hirofumi Sakamoto. Omakase, which in Japan translates to, "I leave it up to you," (via Michelin) emerged in the 1990s amidst Japan's economic shift. As noted by Sushi Umi, a bustling economy allowed more patrons to visit upscale sushi establishments, but these guests weren't familiar with the ordering procedures at a sushi restaurant. With the omakase menu, they could leave it to the chef to decide.

For approximately $75 a person, the omakase at Sushi Chitose will amaze your taste buds. Chef Sakamoto delivers tasty produce, ultra-fresh a la carte rolls, and plate presentations of tender portions of Hamachi (yellowtail tuna) and mackerel with savory, vinegared rice. Reasonably close to the Pacific coast, Sushi Chitose is a humble sushi spot with an innovative twist.